What's all this about Syttende Mai?

By Carolyn Spargo

Norway has a long history beginning with the well-known Vikings.

Their first king was Harold I who introduced Christianity in Norway in the 900s. Around 1000, Leif Ericson sailed to North America. In 1380, Norway was united with Denmark. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark were united under Danish rule in 1397. Sweden revolted and broke away in 1523.

By 1536, Norway was a Danish Province. On May 17, 1814, Norway drew up a constitution to be an independent country. The constitution was accepted but shortly after, Sweden regained leadership over Norway.

On June 7, 1905, Norway broke away from Sweden completely. Syttende Mai has been celebrated since the 1820s. The Royal Family became involved in the celebrations in 1906.

Syttende Mai is Norway's celebration of spring. Children are in parades waving the red, white, and blue Norwegian flag, often dressed in their bunad, or folk costume.

In Oslo, 100,000 people travel to the city center participating in the event. The parade marches past the Royal Family, and participants exchange greetings with one another. Games, entertainment, shows, hot dogs, and ice cream are a part of the post-parade event.

Another celebration that coincides with Syttende Mai is Russ. This is the celebration of the end of the 13 years in school before the University. The students celebrate with their own parades and festivities.

The Nordic Heritage Club will celebrate with all Norwegians Syttende Mai or the 17th of May, early, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Acorn House in Victoria.

We will celebrate with flags, food, fellowship, film, and jokes! Ole: I bought Lena an accordion for her birthday last week. This week I traded it in for a clarinet, you know, cause with a clarinet, SHE CAN'T SING!

We want all of you Sven, Ole, and Lena joke tellers to come out and tell your best joke! Prizes will be awarded to the funniest! Visit our Web site at www.nordicheritageclub.com. You don't have to be Nordic to come!

Carolyn Johnson Spargo lives on the border of Chaska and Victoria, and is active in all things Scandinavian including the Nordic Heritage Club, which meets on the second Friday of the month at the Acorn House in Victoria. Her column appears monthly in the Victoria Town Square pages.